CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. – Over 60 Southeast Missouri State University student-athletes took their competitive spirits and put them to good use over the holidays.

The organization “Feed My Starving Children” held a community service project from December 11-12 at the West Park Mall in Cape Girardeau to held feed children from several countries. The organization raised over $158,000 to pay for the meals and send remaining money to support building projects in Africa.

“It was really rewarding for our team to know that we were helping people in need,” said volleyball player Samantha Lowman. “This was a big reality check for us. It put things in to perspective because we take a lot of things for granted like being able to eat everyday.”

Cross country and track and field runner Joel Krause also helped pack meals during the event. “Everyone in college has an advantage over the less fortunate who cannot afford to go to school, let alone even eat one meal everyday,” said Krause. “This is why it is so important for us to give back and help others.

In total, 2,202 volunteers participated in the humbling experience, packing 505,224 meals. That is enough to feed 1,384 children every day for one year.

El Salvador received 270,864 meals, Jamaica received 128,304 meals, while 85,536 meals were sent to the Philippines.

Five Redhawk programs dedicated their weekend to giving back to the less fortunate. The volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, cross country and track and field teams all competed against each other to see who could pack the most meals.

It was really great to see the student-athletes doing something different from the everyday things they do,” said director of Academic services Sharon Burgard.

“The volleyball team is always competitive, so we made it into our own competition by trying to pack the most boxes of food,” said Lowman.

“It was fun because our team worked together to help make meals,” said Krause. “My team packed 28 boxes which provided over 1,000 meals for starving children. That was such a great feeling, knowing that those boxes of food would help the less fortunate to have a meal every day.”

“I think they all felt that they served and participated in a great purpose in assuring that thousands of children will be fed for a year,” said Burgard. “Several student-athletes said to me right after we were done that they definitely wanted to do this again, so we will be on board for next year!”